Another year has passed

And where did that year go? In one way it's been a very long year but it also feels it was a few weeks ago I was falling to pieces of excitement waiting for the Michael Schenker concerts in Stockholm and Malmö. That was in February and the first shows of the year. It was very strange since from the hell-week in early december 2015 with Judas Priest, Saxon, Motörhead and some more there was no shows at all until the Schenker ones. That is very unusal for me. But I did go to a lot of shows. In total I spent 72 days at shows or festivals, if an average of 3 bands per day, that makes it 216 bands... Might seem extreme but I know I have a lot of company here and I bet some of my friends have spent even more time seeing bands. It's what I like and there were some real surprises. Best show of the year was just a last minute decision... Also, at Festivals when there are clashes I've been try to select bands I haven't seen before or if it's a chance they won't come back which gave me both good and bad experiences. That I'll try to keep in mind, you can't know until you've seen it if it's worth seeing. And no concert has felt like waste of time... Ok, perhaps I haven't been super-thrilled about all opening acts but in general they have been ok too. 

I set a target for myself last year and that was to keep up with the concert reports, do 24 record reviews and 24 interviews. The concerts are all done, still behind with the Festivals though and I did far more that 24 reviews... Didn't do many interviews though so I need to get better there. I'll try to do the same this year, no increase in numbers or anything like that.

But yes, I've been listening to a lot of records and there were a lot of good ones. There were a few really standing out though, that really blew me away.

1. SALEM - Dark Days

The Hull laddies impressed me with "Forgotten Dreams" a few years back also but I got it too late so it didn't make it up on the top 10. I had this one for over 2 months before the review was due, for good and bad. I knew the record note for note writing it but it put pressure on me to write a review as good as I thought the record are also. I love it from start to end, the variation between really dark tunes and more classic hard rock songs is fantastic.
Favorite track: "Nine Months"

2. VICIOUS RUMORS - Concussion Protocol

First studio release with Nick on vocals and it is a full-hit if you ask me. I think Vicious Rumors could have used Nick more though but I love the mix between hin and Geoff and it is one fantastic album. It continues in the same vein as the previous two but it feels the band is boosted even more nowawdays. I listened to this one extensively also since it normally takes time for the Vicious Rumors records to settle for real. I thought I knew it but picking it up a few weeks after the release, for the shows it was even better than I remembered it.
Favorite Track: "Chasing the Priest" 

3. FATES WARNING - Theories of Flight

The best thing with Fates Warning is how much emotion they get into their music. It's not Hard, Fast and Heavy but it's still more intense and has a nerve few manage to create. Ray Adler does a fantastic job here and with the Old School shows featuring John Arch and these fantastic new releases it's the best of two worlds. I really don't want this to go away to have John Arch back in Fates Warning, love to see him perform though. On the other had, Ray too is fantastic.
Favorite track: "S.O.S"

4. GLENN HUGHES - Resonate

Quite a surprise for me even. I've admired Glenn for a long time and as a performer he is fantastic but his releases has been a bit to Funky for my taste. This one though is one Heavy piece without completely abandon his trademark sound, the songs have touches of soul and funk but it's not taking overhand. And the whole record is heavy as hell.
Favorite track: "Flow" 

5. SARASIN - Sarasin

I was lured by the cover, I think it is super-cool and when digging into the music that too got me hooked. I love the hooks and odd rhythms, sometimes it feels like it's not quite right just to realize it's a strange beat instead. I spent hours trying to figure out the as long as we're willing to let them lead us to the slaughter, it's crazy but damn cool Also the Heavy, gloomy and groovy songs appealed to me.
Favorite track: "In Our Image"

6. DIAMOND HEAD - Diamond Head

Wow, I realized I don't have any new bands on my list this year... Well, Myrath can perhaps be stated as new but as both Salem and Sarasin has their roots in the 80's, this year is definitely the guys with routine and experience that has dazzeled me. The self titled Diamond Head I bought because I was going to see them and it ended up in the stereo for weeks in a row, I couldn't put it down. It's vibrant, full of energy and damn good songs. Again it feels like the band has new energy and inspiration, can't be anything but since this record kills. 
Favorite track: "Shout at the Devil" 

7. ANVIL - Anvil is Anvil

It sounds like Anvil, it is Anvil and it sounds damn good. Both from a song and production perspective. And now when the buzz after the movie has settled people start to see that Anvil is good for real. Here Anvil has managed to capture the energy they have on stage, the joy and the fun in a bunch of very good songs. 
Favorite track: "Zombie Apocalypse" (Zombie? A Coffee Lips?)

8. MYRATH - Legacy

I picked up this promo as Myrath was opening for Symphony X and was excited about them being from Tunisia. Took ages before I could get my hads on the real CD though. Their Prog Metal with oriental melodies and rhythms sets them apart from most other bands in the genre and that Zaher Zorgati both sounds and look like a mini-version of Ray Adler is not setting this down. 
Favorite track: "Nobody's Lives" 

9. HELSTAR - Vampirio

Some years ago there was a style-change for Helstar and they moved to Heavier and Faster tunes. It sounded good but it felt like something was missing to get to the top. Now with "Vampirio" everything has fallen into place and this is a true smack in the face, fantastic riffs and fantastic songs. A true killer record simply.
Favorite track: "Repent in Fire"

10. DEATH ANGEL - The Evil Divide

There were many good Thrash Metal releases during 2016, Testament, Flotsam & Jetsam, Anthrax... But it was this one that struck the hardest for me. In general I've been a bigger fan of Death Angel live than on record but perhaps I haven't listened enough, with the shows during the last years and this record things changed and this is a record to put on when energy is needed to do something. The drive is fantastic and it holds a good deal of great songs:
Favorite track: "Lost"

And Peter's Top 5;
1. ANVIL - Anvil is Anvil
2. HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE - Dead Revolution
3. KANSAS - The Prelude Implicit
4. VICIOUS RUMORS - Concussion Protocol
5. BLAZE BAYLEY - Infinite Entanglement

The ones just outside the Top 10 list;
BLAZE BAYLEY - Infinite Entanglement
ETRUSGRAVE - Aita's Sentence
EVIL MASQUERADE - The Outcast Hall of Fame
HOBBS ANGEL OF DEATH - Heaven Bled
METAL CHURCH - XI
PARADOX- Pangea
SAVIOR FROM ANGER - Temple of Judgment
TESTAMENT - Brotherhood of the Snake
THE CULT - Hidden City
THEM - Sweet Hollow 

And the ones that could have made it if I would have gotten around and started listen sooner (or if they'd been released earlier in the year...);
AFTERSHOK - Detonate
ATTACKER - Sins of the World
FLOTSAM & JETSAM - Flotsam and Jetsam
GRAHAM BONNET BAND - The Book
HERMAN FRANK - The Devil Rides Out
MEGADETH - Dystopia
RAGE- The Devil Strikes Again
RUNNING WILD - Rapid Foray
SACRO SANCTUS - Ad Aeternum
SODOM - Decision Day

A new thing that we started to discuss last year was, what if albums, regardless of release year, that has meant a lot during the year was to be listed. It's of course hard to remember all and sometimes it's so many from one band the list would be endless. But it was a fun idea so why not give it a try...

Much is related to shows of course but looking at the playlist, Winger - "IV", Deep Purple - "Now What?!", MSG - "In The Midst of Beauty", Motörhead - "Overnight Sensation", Heir Apparent - "By Inheritance", Cage - "Ancient Evil", Black Sabbath - Eternal Idol, Deep Purple - Slaves & Masters, Blue Öyster Cult - "Imaginos" and Tempest - "Control the World" antology has been spinning A LOT, or for other reasons set me off.
One thing that I need to point out is how much I've been listening to Joe Lynn Turner, been digging up most everything I could get my hands on. He also played an acoustic set at the PH Cafeen in Copenhagen and even if it wasn't the same blow-away as Kip Winger it was still damn cool. Very cool to be able to stand 1-2m away from him listening to music and stories. Fantastic show of course and then I went shopping... That's my way of stalking bands and musicians, GET ALL THEY'VE EVER RELEASED!!!
Also Michael Schenker has been spinning frequently and basically his whole catalogue but it was "In the Midst of Beauty" that struck the hardes and when putting it on "Cross of Crosses" goes on repeat for a few times before I let it spin. It's the same with "Tales of Rock'n'Roll" also, then it's "Dreams Inside" and "Rock'n'Roll" that gets that treatment. 

Peter did the same and picked his ones;

He's been digging in the vaults and listed;
Winterhawk - "Revival", Blue Öyster Cult - "Club Ninja", Uriah Heep - "Fallen Angel", Kansas - "Audio-Visions" and Marillion - "Fugazi" 


As mentioned earlier, there has been a lot of concerts this year, a lot of good ones too and when standing there watching I can't for my life understand why people decide to sit home infront of a TV or computer instead of seeing bands live...

The one show that stood out the most though came as a real surprise. I love to be proven wrong but I also become a bit bummed with myself that I didn't realize a bands greatness sooner...

1. KIP WINGER - PH Cafeen, Copenhagen, Denmark

I wasn't even sure if to go to the show, I've never listened to Winger what so ever, also it was a very hectic week and I decided to rest instead. Next minute I'm panicking and buy tickets. And I'm glad I did, acoustic set and very intimate. How someone can create that dynamic with a sole guitar is beyond me. We missed train after train home but there was no chance we were leaving the show before it ended. He played for more than 2 hours and there was not a dull second.

2. VICIOUS RUMORS - Frimis Salonger, Örebro, Sweden

Vicious Rumors always kick ass, it's on stage they should be experienced. A classic set with a few new ones worked very well. Nick sounds fantastic in the old songs, he nails it flawlessly. The disappointment was the cancelled headline-show I had booked though. An opening slot is far from enough if Vicious Rumors.
 

3. SAXON - Trägår'n, Gothenburg, Sweden

The mighty Saxon, this was the fourth Saxon concert for me in 2016 and I was still looking at the possibilities to go to Ronneby the night after this one. Saxon at Trägår'n is special, they were on fire and so was the crowd. I think they added 4-5 songs compared to the Copenhagen and Malmö shows. 

4. Michael Schenker - KB, Malmö, Sweden

I would like to say the Michael Schenker Fest at Sweden Rock since that one featured Robin McAuley (and Graham Bonnet and Gary Barden) but it was the club shows that really set me off. It's amazing to be so close and see everything from the front. Michael's energy on stage these days are fantastic and the Temple of Rock albums kicks ass.

5.LETHAL - Up The Hammers, Kyttaro Club, Athens, Greece

I tend to forget between the times I see Lethal how damn good they are. No exception here. Fascinating was that Tom barely could speak prior to the show but still deliver something absolutely fantastic. It was also cool to have Dell Hull in the line-up.

6. FATES WARNING - Keep It True, Tauberfranken-Halle, Lauda-Königshofen, Germany

If I missed it completely or just surpressed it I don't know but it came as a complete surprise to me when John Arch came out on stage. Thinking about I should have realized that was to be the case. Still, the excitement the surprise brought made this show even better. It all sounded fantastic.

7. HEIR APPARENT - Keep It True, Tauberfranken-Halle, Lauda-Königshofen, Germany

Heir Apparent did great on UTH too but it seems all fell into place for the KIT show. Their dynamics was fantastic and it all sounded fabulous.

8. ANVIL - La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, Scottland

Anvil always deliver, it is always very good. But Lips was struggling with a cold for the first 2 of the UK shows. Here he was back to normal again and the energy was phenomenal. How they manage to do this night after night is beyond me.

9. CLOVEN HOOF - NWOBHM X MAS Rocka, 02 Academy, Sheffield, England

Lee Payne has drafted George Call and Danny White to the line-up and that sure is a perfect match. Cloven Hoof has always sounded very good but there was something missing from the last line-up. Now they look the part and their force won't be able to be stopped. The drive and intesity created on this small stage was fantastic, and this is just the beginning.

10. SYMPHONY X - Pumpehuset, Copenhagen, Denmark

Wow, it's amazing how such a "pretto" band can deliver so much rock'n'roll and still perform flawlessly. I mean, Prog-Metal bands normally focus on playing and frankly, the shows can be dull. It is Russel Allen that stands for most of the show but how the rest deliver and seem to have fun is amazing. Also, to hear the whole "Underworld" album live sure was a treat.

There's actually two more records that played a big part of last year (and the year before too for that sake) but for what they are I couldn't put them on the lists...
I'm realy super-proud of the Void Moon - "Deathwatch" records, the hours spent with the guitar paid off. It would have been so much fun to play more, visit places and just enjoy it but history wanted other things for the band.

  
And then also Assassins Blade - "Agents of Mystification". Not that I have much to do with it more than being a house-wife when Jacques recorded the vocals and then just listening to the ideas created with or without beers by David and Peter. A good one it is!

So, now I'm looking forward to a new year. It will be an odd one, that's for sure. It's confirmed that I'm affected by the lay-off's for Ericsson this time, 20+ years and I'm unemployed. But, I get up to 23 months payment (19 guaranteed which I keep even if I start working as soon as I'm out of the doors) so there's no worry what will happen. My biggest concern is if I should dare to take the summer off and start applying for jobs so I start in September or so? Or do I need to start right away... Don't know when I will leave yet but it should be end of March-April sometime. 
Then I need to decide what to focus on, a new Cult of the Fox record it will be. I'm also trying to set up a photo-page to have a gallery with better resolution pictures, posting on facebook kind of kills them, for not to say the ones posted through instagram. But both are very good to spread the word about it at least. And I need to save money to change my Canon EOS 50D too, it's just so frustrating to not have the same capacity as on the EOS 5D MkIII, especially when the lights are poor. Just as a sample, if using ISO 2000 on the 50, I can push the 5 up to 12800 or even 16000 before it gets as grainy as 2000 on the 50. So... A Canon EOS 5D MkIV is on my shopping list...Unless someone wants to buy me one! :O) (so, if I start working and get double salarys...)

And then the usual, food, drinks and work-out... I've actually been off sugar completely for a week now. The only thing I've had is 6 dades and the suger I use in the food but that's very little. I feel it! Let's see how long I can keep it up... Will HAVE to have some chocolate sooner or later...
One thing I realized is that how DAMN expensice beer and wine is on airports, trainstations & hotels. Also at clubs, so it's no promise to not drink beer, just a try to not buy it when the money spent on one beer could have gotten me another record or 1/300 part of the new camera... Ok, cutting out THOSE beers will not buy me the camera though!  

 
Cheers
E

NP: ARDUINI / BALICH - "Dawn Of Ages"

Wherever I may Roam

So, staycation has been very good. It's been nice to be home taking care of things pending for too long. The cats thought I was very annoying though running around the house like crazy cleaning up. And of course playing music all day long. Sleepy cats in the middle of the day and me messing around with laundry, dishes and all stuff like that.

I could easily have taken another week though, not done with the laundry (damn we have many Metal-Shirts) nor the cleaning since the week at home was interrupted with concerts.
Saxon with Phil and Mikkey in Ljungbyhed at the Lemmy 500 race. Very cool event.

Then I was on and off about seeing Kip Winger in Copenhagen Tuesday. Mainly since we were seeing Joe Lynn Turner the day after. Bur we ended up going to both and I'm really happy we did. Kip was fantastic, both me and Peter was completely floored by his performance. Joe Lynn Turner was really good too but the setlist left more to wish for. But from a performance perspective it was great too.

I also decided I was going to take a walk in the mornings, so atleast the days it wasn't raining I was out for about an hour. (yes, 3 of 5 days I could get out + today) It felt good to get out and even better afterwards. It builds energy which is needed to motivate the cleaning activities.

And, I finally got time to do the apple-sauce. Home-apples and the old house-assistant from Electrolux I got from my parents. Mid 70's it should be from if remember right. It worked fine and it all turned out great. Also, the apples were so sweet by themselves I almost didn't have to add sugar. Recommended was 2-4hg per liter sauce but after less than 1hg it was enough.

Well, back to Discogs now and dig for more Winger and Joe Lynn Turner records. Was about to order from Cleopatra Record directly but $70 postage for a $35 order is crazy! I'll check with my personal shopper first. Patrik will most likely sort it out the best way possible.

Cheers
E

Take it or Leave it

Yeah, so the Nuclear Blast package finally got delivered. A bit damaged but in general everything was ok inside at least. Should probably have claimed it but I don't want to return the stuff when I finally got it.
Most anticipated in the box was definitely Vicious Rumors "Concussion Protocol". Ok, I've had it for review for a few months actually but a digital promo can't replace an actual record. Need the booklet and smell of new vinyl and such.

And as always, the collection frenzy starts. Now it's not that crazy with Vicious Rumors, the last couple of outings has only been available as CD, Vinyl & Japan print. The Live you to Death ones, only as CD. So, on those occasions even the Argentina releases (hope they are licensed in the correct way) are fun to get.

So, status this far;

Basically just the regulars. There should be some very cool tour editions as well so I hope I'll manage to get my hands on them on the coming Vicious Rumors tour.

(This picture is borrowed from Teelen's timeline, not mine so if violating some copy right...)

Speaking of the tour. As Vicious Rumors come to Sweden they do quite a few gigs here. And at a really bad timing, not only will I have a massive workload that week, Hugo the cat is coming for a stay as Peter's parents will be out travelling, also there're other things already booked before I found out about these dates.
Hmmm, what to do, what to do??? There will be at least one Sweden date and I hope to catch 2-3 from the rumored Headline dates when Dirkschneider head for Russia. Can't wait to get to hear some of these new ones live.

But the fall will be busy for sure. Everything seem to happen in November, the time when we can't travel so it seems I will miss both The Skull and Overkill on this round. Doesn't feel too good. Also, that Warrel Dane posted some "Dead Heart In A Dead World" dates about a week and a half before the tour started... ARGH!!! Really would have wanted to see that and with a few more weeks heads-up, we would have made it to that tour as well. It featured a lot of cities in eastern Europe I really would want to visit and that could have been a good opportunity.
 
Ok, I get to see some really cool stuff the coming months anyway. Starting with Saxon with Mikkey Dee and Phil Campbell as guests at Lemmy 500 race, just 20 minute drive from home, right in the middle of nowhere. 
Then perhpas Kip Winger... Joe Lynn Turner, Huskvarna Rock Art with Blaze, Y&T, Nazareth, Entombed and Anvil...

Hopefully the schedule will hold together as it looks right now. And then it mean some new places to visit, I like that! 

Just one more week to work now and then I have vacation for a week, a real staycation, stay at home and do nothing special week. Will be very nice!

Cheers
E

NP: DEEP PURPLE - Slaves and Masters

 
 
 
 

Hello Strawberry Skies

The first week was labelled by many as hell-week since there were so many concerts happening at the same time, and the packages kept moving from town to town.
Then it was Judas Priest with UFO, Motörhead, Saxon and Girlschool and of course Slayer, Anthrax & The Haunted. But also a lot of other smaller things.

But this week too has been rather crazy and it will keep going on for some time. Ok, we missed out on the Denner / Sherman show since we decided too late and it was sold out but I guess that Spiritual Beggars - Friday, The Skull - Sunday, Goatess - Monday, The Skull - Tuesday and Magnum - Wednesday is quite a batch of shows anyway.

And Tomorrow I'm going to Dusseldorf to see Goatess again. Need to check how Peter's doing you know... ;-)

Next weekend it's Keep It True and the weekend after that, Metal Church in Hamburg. Gonna be awesome! Both of them.

But there sure are many tours I would like to see now. Circle II Circle, Trouble...

Tonight me and the cats will have a party of our own, some nice beef from Gunnaröds for me and a bag of Pussi for the cats. That sure beat the canned food.

Cheers
E

Operation Mindcrime

Even if it's nice to visit mom it's still really good to get back home to Peter and the Cats after a few days up north. Ok, Peter's actually away rehearsing with Goatess this weekend so me and the cats are having a party by ourselves in the Void Mansion. I miss him of course but it's good to get some time at home and not having to be social and just to clear out the Metal Kaoz stuff so I won't build another back-log. I still have a few things to complete but the progress is good.

It's always fun to do it also, and with the batch of records I have for review right now it's all just fun. And I actually didn't think so but I must say I really enjoyed the Soulfly, King Parrot & Incite gig in the beginning of the week. Picture editing for that tonight.

Right now I have Mightiest, Salem, Savage Master, The Temple, Anthrax, Ereb Altor and Mob Rules to dig into. It's quite many but the hardest is actually to sort out which one to listen to next. All really appeal to me so it's a pleasurable problem I have... I think Salem is the one that struck the hardest though.

But, it seems like it will be a very good record year this year too. Sarasin and Sleepy Hollow struck very hard when I got them, and now Salem. Then Metal Church, Martyr...
I've pre-ordered both in some nice bundles and hopefully they'll show up the coming weeks. I didn't take the pack from Rat Pak Records where Mike Howe is calling but the second biggest with an additional T-shirt for Peter and one Mike Howe shirt for me.

I'm also checking if it will be possible to see them at one or so of the dates in May. Z7 in Switzerland is very tempting since Riot V is on the bill there as well. Not the best day though since it's a mid-week show.

Then the Martyr pack. I really wish I could have gone to the release party but I guess I need to realize I can't do everything I want. There's just not enough time for it.

I also ordered the deluxe version of the Baltimoore collection. I have far to few of the releases but I do like the ones I have and on the rare occasion I've actually seen them or Björn Solo live it's been absolutely amazing. What a voice, what a feeling.

And then of course the Saxon 9-LP box. That one will be awesome. I think it's the fattest LP box I have... Perhaps Iron Maiden "First 10 Years" with 10 2x12"'s is bigger. But it sure is cool! 

So I for sure have a lot of incoming goodies now the last two weeks of march or so. 

And there's more to come... I've already mentioned Salem and to stay in the same genre I have to say I'm looking forward to the new Cloven Hoof. 

 

 And then of course Assassins Blade (ok ok, yes I've had access to this one for some time for obvious reasons but it's still cool when it's done and it's an actual product)

So it looks like the goodies will keep coming. 
Also when we're talking about concerts it will be a good year. Upcoming is Exodus, Symphony X, one more Dirkschneider / Anvil show, Overkill, Spiritual Beggars and some more. 
I bought a ticket for the Queensryche Stockholm gig today. I'm quite sure that Klubben will be sold out so even if I don't know I can make it I would like to have the opportunity at least.

I was about to get tickets for the gig at Amager Bio in Copenhagen as well but then I got a hint from a friend another damn cool gig the same day so I really need to decide what to do... We'll see what happens. One thing's sure, it will be a good concert year. It has already started off very strong with Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, Manowar, Dirkschneider and Up The Hammers.

Another train ride to come to an end very soon!

Cheers
E

NP: Salem - Dark Days

 
 

And 2015 is over...

Yes, apparently another year passed and I don't know where time went. It feels like the two last years is a big blur and I have hard remembering what happened when. But it's been a quite cool year, a lot of different activities which of course have made others suffer a bit. Playing live with Void Moon in Ireland, Romania and Malta has of course been very good points, as well as it was to play with Cult of the Fox too. 
The hours spent working on guitars for Void Moon's second album "Deathwatch" was very hard but also very rewarding as it turned out really nice. I'm sooo looking forward to get a real copy in my hands. 
And as usual there's been traveling too, both in work and for my own pleasure. Worth mentioning is the visits to Jordan, Ethiopia and Sudan. To get to see the sun when it's dark and gloomy in Sweden is of course a plus. But to get to feel the Dead Sea, eat real Ethiopian Injera and just hang out in Khartoum has been fantastic. 
There has also been a few trips down to Germany and Holland for shows but not as many as it normally is. Sometimes things became a bit crazy as I locked one bag in the safety lockers at the airport to first go to a concert just to pick up the bag and go for a jobtrip, out through security, get the bag and check in again. I know Kastrup Airport by heart now I promise you.
Also, the addition of the cats to the Wallberg family. They make a mess of most everything but they are adorable and so very sweet. But it's just to forget that thing with having a moment alone in the bathroom, sleep long in the morning and so on... But the good is so much more than the annoying (shutting down my computer, stealing cheese from sandwiches, chewing on strings and shoelaces, digging under the couch for the Christmas nuts, waking up with a paw in your mouth...)

There has been very good music coming in 2015 also, classic bands releasing super albums, like Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Slayer to mention a few. But I've also missed a lot since I haven't had time to read as much as I used to. I realize this reading other peoples top-lists for 2015. It's impossible to keep up with everything I know but it bugs me a little bit that some releases just passed me by unnoticed. 

Anyway, here's my list for 2015;

01. SAXON

"Battering Ram"

It's always fun to get real good albums to review, SAXON was one of those. It's also very hard to write these reviews since the ambition to write as perfect as the album is tend to happen and the reviews can be rather extensive. But the album struck hard and survived from first second. Good to see SAXON in top shape these dark days.
Favorite track: Queen of Hearts

02. SATAN 

"Atom By Atom"

SATAN was another one I got for review. It really blew me away from start but then it dipped a bit after a few spins and I started to wonder if it was the excitement of a new release that was the case. But it caught up again and turned out as no 2 on my list. I love the speedy riffs and great melodies. 
Favorite track: Ahriman 

03. QUEENSRŸCHE 

"Condition Hüman"

This was actually a hard one to get into. I didn't think it was as good as the last one for a really long time, until I started thinking about how many times I listened to that before it got stuck. Giving it a rest for a few months and then picking it up again sure did the thing and hell yes, it's another masterpiece. Todd LaTorre rules.
Favorite track: Guardian

04. DARK QUARTERER 

"Ithaca"

To start with I didn't think that this one was as good as the old ones. But as always with the best albums they need 10-15-20 spins to land. I don't know how many times I listened to it before I could write the review but when I finally did it was again as it was when I first stumbled over DARK QUARTERER, I couldn't stop.
Favorite Track: Mind Torture

05. SATAN'S HOST

"Pre-dating God" (Parts 1 & 2)

 I'm cheating a bit here but as much as I struggled with the list I can't remove anything else from it. So instead if picking one of them, both records ended up under the same post. Fantastic release again from SATAN'S HOST, these albums they've done since Harry Conklin came back are absolutely awesome.
Favorite Track: Lady n' the Snake

06. MOTÖRHEAD 

"Bad Magic"

 It feels good that the last album MOTÖRHEAD ever released was a very strong one. Not that they ever have released a bad album but I'd say that this last one is my favorite since "Snake Bite Love". It's strong, powerful and catchy. But who could ever imagine it would be the last. It feels terrible to never be able to buy another MOTÖRHEAD ticket. I've lost count on how many times I've seen MOTÖRHEAD over the years but it's well over 30 at least. Always kick-ass!
Favorite Track: The Devil

 

07. IRON MAIDEN 

"The Book Of Souls"

That IRON MAIDEN would release something good was expected but I really really like this new one. It feels more inspired than in a long time. Not that they've ever done anything bad. But the vocal lines are more diverse and I really like the epic stuff.
Favorite Track: Tears of a Clown

 

08. SYMPHONY X 

"Underworld"

I've tried over the years to get into SYMPHONY X but never hard enough it seems, until now. Ok, I really dig the "Paradise Lost" album as well but that I didn't come around to the same year it was released and so it has been ever since. A little bit behind all the time. But I learn and picked this one up as soon as it was out and damn it's good.
Favorite Track: Run with the Devil 

09. MICHAEL SCHENKER'S TEMPLE OF ROCK

"Spirit On A Mission"

The god, guitar god... Mr Schenker together with Tony Iommi has been the biggest inspirations for me playing guitar. There has been others too of course but Michael's melodic style of playing not many come close to. I was a bit disappointed with Spirit on a Mission initially. It was good of course but not as strong as "Bridge the Gap" I thought. But giving it some time, in the player as well as in the shelf it came around and it rocks as hard as its predecessor.
Favorite Track: Something of the Night

 

10. TRIBULATION 

"The Children Of The Night"

   

 
Ok, I admit, sometimes I download music before I buy it. I'm too curious and impatient to wait on occasion. I'd seen the cover of this album and loved it but I'm always a bit hesitant to Swedish Metal Bands. Many are good of course but few are unique. To my surprise this one struck like a hammer and it spun round after round. Next record order I had the fat box version of the release listed and it keeps spinning.
Favorite Track: In the Dreams of the Dead 

And the sone that ended up just outside the list either because other was better or I didn't give them enough time;
Cage - Ancient Evil
Circle II Circle - Reign of Darkness
Damien Thorne - Soul Stealer
Enforcer - From Beyond
Helloween - My God-given Right
Iron Kingdom - Ride for Glory
Jameson Raid - Uninvited Guests
Jorn Lande & Trond Holter - Dracula
Masters Of Metal
Night Viper - Night Viper
Paradise Lost - The Plague Within
Parallel Minds - Headlong Disaster
Ram - Svbversvm
Scanner - The Judgement
Slayer - Repentless
Sorcerer - In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross
Tad Morose - St. Demonius
Tank - Valley of Tears
Transsiberian Orchestra - Letters from the Labyrinth
WASP - Golgotha

But, there are always something missed, some records that came in too late or for some other reason didn't make it, even if, looking at it now they probably should have. One of them;
Helloween - My Godgiven Right. 

I reviewed it and loved it, left it to rest for a while and it didn't feel as good. And now, when preparing for the concert it's been spinning again and damn it's good... If I'd picked it up earlier it should have been on the Top 10.

And then, Iron Kingdom - Ride for Glory

 It's not Power Metal, Not Prog Metal, Not Heavy Metal but at the same time all of it. These Canadians are also fantastic musicians and have managed to release one hell of an album again. Got it in just after Christmas though, bad planning from me.

So, I've probably forgotten a lot of records but this is the conclusion for now. It will probably look different in a few weeks.

Cheers
E

NP: Sarasin - Sarasin